A breakdown in relations between Port Otago and the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust has resulted in the essential service missing out on its last quarterly payments from Otago Regional Council (ORC).

ORC has funded the rescue helicopter trust $350,000 annually as budgeted in its Long Term Plan, but in February 2025 a letter of expectation was sent to the port for the money to be transferred directly to the rescue helicopter trust.

Councillor Kevin Malcolm told the meeting that while the port had offered to pay the quarterly amounts over the past year, “they have had some difficulty coming to the conclusion that that can happen”.

Chair Gretchen Robertson confirmed at ORC’s meeting on Wednesday (September 24) the council was already behind in payments.

Councillors voted 7-3 to fund the $350,000 annually out of general reserves until that partnership was sorted, but Cr Gary Kelliher opposed the move, saying ORC was now at the mercy of directors of the company, rather than councillors who could step in on behalf of the community.

“We have attempted to move it to the port and it hasn’t worked so we need it back in-house.”

Cr Tim Mepham said the donation was not at risk, “the method of delivery just needs to be resolved”.

The trust told ORC it would prefer the donation to be made directly from ORC to fit with its sponsorship arrangements.

But a second motion instructed the chair and the Port Liaison Committee to meet with representatives of Port Otago and the rescue helicopter trust to discuss future donations.

The trust will make a presentation to the regional council this morning (Thursday September 24).

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